𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐞 {𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞} [𝐎𝐂 𝐗 𝐎𝐂]

♡Chapter 186♡

{Poppy's pyjamas}

It was still very early in the morning, the kind of quiet hour where the world outside hadn't fully woken up yet. Faint streaks of grey light crept through the curtains of Warren's old bedroom, they'd been staying at his parents' house for a few days now. The rest of the house was still and silent, everyone else fast asleep—except for the new parents and their one-month-old son.

"Come on, little man." Warren whispered, his voice low and soothing as he rocked JJ gently in his arms. He paced slowly back and forth across the room, his bare feet brushing against the familiar wooden floorboards. "Please." He begged softly, glancing at the bed where Poppy still lay under the covers. "Ever since you've been born, your mom hasn't had much rest. Let her sleep a little, huh?"

But JJ's cries carried on, sharp and insistent, his tiny fists clenching and unclenching against his blanket. Warren tried bouncing him a little, then swaying side to side, but nothing seemed to settle the baby. His tired eyes darted back toward the bed, hoping Poppy wouldn't stir.

From under the duvet, a groggy but gentle voice finally spoke. "It's fine." Poppy murmured, rubbing her eyes as she pushed herself up against the pillows. Her voice was heavy with exhaustion, but the sight in front of her made her smile despite herself—her boyfriend rocking their red-faced son in the half-light of dawn. "Morning, my two favourite boys."

Warren let out a breathy laugh, both sheepish and tired. "Sorry, Pops. I was trying to keep him quiet so you could sleep a bit longer."

"You're sweet." Poppy whispered, swinging her legs out of the bed. The floor was cool beneath her feet as she padded over to him, arms instinctively reaching out. "Here, let me."

He hesitated, guilt flashing in his tired eyes. "I've tried everything—walking, rocking, humming...he just won't settle."

Poppy smiled softly, gently taking JJ from him. The moment he was nestled against her chest, his cries softened to hiccups, his tiny fingers clutching at her shirt. She pressed a tender kiss to the top of his head, breathing in that warm newborn scent. "Shh, baby boy." She whispered, swaying in rhythm. "Mama's here. You're okay."

Within moments, JJ had quieted, blinking sleepily against her. Warren slumped down on the edge of the bed, running a hand down his face, both amazed and a little defeated. "See? He already prefers you."

"Don't be silly." Poppy murmured, lowering herself into the armchair by the window, letting the faintest hint of sunrise wash over her. "He loves you. He just knows my heartbeat." She smiled tiredly, cradling JJ as he relaxed against her chest. "Come sit."

Warren dragged himself up and sat beside her, his shoulder brushing hers. He tilted his head back against the wall, looking at her with soft, sleep-heavy eyes. "You make it look so easy."

"It's not." She admitted, brushing JJ's cheek with her thumb. "But we're learning. All three of us."

Warren's voice softened, almost breaking with emotion. "You're amazing, Pops. You know that?"